The top 25 signs that you need a break

Barbara Craythorn

Putting milk in the cupboard and cereal in the fridge? Entering a room and forgetting what you went in for? These are all key signs you need a break, according to new research.

A study of 2,000 people revealed the top 25 signs you need a getaway - including swearing more often, repeatedly hitting snooze on the alarm and forgetting a loved one's birthday.

Having a messy house but not wanting want to tidy it, getting into a mild rage when queuing in the supermarket or eating more and more comfort food are also signs a break is needed.

While no longer having the energy to make small talk at work and over reacting when your work computer crashes are more reasons for some time away.

Andrew Denton, Director of Communications at Best Western Great Britain hotels, said: "The results show it's time the great British public stopped struggling and gave themselves a proper break.

"We all know how easy it is to put up with everyday stresses, but it doesn't need to be like that.

"Britain deserves a break and Best Western is here to help."

An average, people will put up with five different signs a break is needed before they will actually commit to going somewhere nice.

Indeed, one in five of those polled will wait until absolute breaking point before booking a short break.

Other signs a rest might be a good idea include shouting at the telly more often and secretly wanting to dislike photos on Facebook when friends share their holiday snaps.

Realising you've consumed your weekly quota of wine when it's only Wednesday also featured, along with accidentally leaving the house with your slippers on.

Four in 10 fed-up Brits said they have become so overwhelmed by day-to-day life that they have suddenly booked a break away and left that same day - or just a day or two later.

In order to feel suitably refreshed, a break should last an average of four days and respondents would spend an average of £192.62 on a short period away.

The most popular region to visit would be South West England, closely followed by Scotland and North West England.

Once back home those surveyed feel refreshed for six days on average and they wait around seven months before going away for their next break.

The biggest barrier to getting away is finances, followed by not being able to get time off work and family commitments.

On average the longest period people have gone without taking a long weekend is two years and three months.

And sadly, eight per cent of those surveyed have gone without a break for 10 years or more at some point in their life.

Andrew Denton, Director of Communications from Best Western Great Britain, added: "We want Brits to feel better this year which is why we are launching a competition to giveaway a year's worth of stays.

"So people can stop shouting at the telly, leave their supermarket rage at home, pack their bags and enjoy the feeling of getting away.

"Best Western has been helping people get away from it all, discover new things, relax and recharge for over 70 years so we know how amazing it feels to take regular breaks."

To enter the competition visit: https://www.facebook.com/BestWesternGB/

TOP 25 SIGNS YOU NEED A BREAK

1. The house is messy and you have no motivation to tidy it up

2. Start eating increasing amounts of comfort food

3. Regularly experiencing mild rage when the supermarket queue is taking too long

4. You enter a room and can't remember what you went into there for

5. You hit snooze on your morning alarm one too many times

6. Finding yourself swearing more often

7. Calling people by the wrong name

8. Putting milk in the cupboard and cereal in the fridge

9. You can no longer muster the will to make small talk at work

10. Spending more time daydreaming than your actual day job

11. Forgetting a loved one's birthday

12. Finding more grey hairs

13. Over-reaction when your computer crashes at work

14. Shouting at the TV more regularly than usual

15. Talking to yourself more often, and thinking it is totally normal

16. Your to-do list looks like more of a novel - and you can't face starting it

17. You've used up your weekly wine allowance, and its only Wednesday

18. When you find yourself looking over old travel pictures

19. Driving past your junction on your way home from work

20. You've upped your coffee intake by at least three cups per day

21. Counting down the days until the kids return to school

22. Secretly wanting a dislike button on social media to use when friends share their holiday pictures